Caledonian Properties Limited - Native Woodland Creation Proposal

Baldernock Community Council Meeting 19 October 2021

Baldernock Community Council

Summary of meeting held via Zoom on 19th October 2021 to discuss plans for tree planting in Baldernock

Present: Baldernock Community Council: Anne McNair (Chairperson), Celia Burns, Secretary, Peter Langhorne, Treasurer, Elspeth Fulton (minutes), Fiona Grier, Fiona Howie.

Baldernock Amenity Society: Geraldine Perriam

Representatives from local farming community who were co-ordinated by Antoinette Imrie, Hillhead Farm and David Ralston, Castlehill Farm

Anne McNair opened the meeting by explaining that Paul Schofield from Galbraiths, agents for Caledonian Property, had sent an e-mail dated 11th August, inviting comments from the Community Council with regard to plans for tree planting in the area. The e-mail was sent to an old e-mail address; as a consequence, she did not become aware of it until recently. The deadline for comments was 24th September. Anne had contacted Mr. Schofield, who had said that the consultation was an ongoing process. 

Anne then saw a map of the proposed planting area, some of which was described as grazing/unproductive land. It was apparent that this land was currently being used for cattle, sheep and horses and was not therefore unproductive. It is understood that there is currently grant aid available for tree planting. 

There was discussion about the proposals. It would appear that Caledonian Property do not require planning permission, although there is ongoing consultation between Galbraiths and the Council. 

Local farmers had written to Galbraiths: none had received a reply. 

Wullie Grey noted that there were similar concerns about the impact of tree planting on farming across the UK. Land is being bought up for tree planting at prices out of the reach of local farmers. The NFU was opposed to the tree planting scheme as it currently stands.

Concerns expressed were as follows:

• The planting is likely to be ‘block planting’ for commercial use, which is dense, unattractive and not in keeping with current landscape.

• There will be 6’ high fencing to exclude deer.

• The planting will involve the use of heavy vehicles, causing traffic problems on narrow rural roads

Of significant concern to those present was the loss of local farmland. 

• Once the trees are planted, the land cannot be recovered for agricultural use 

• The rural landscape, with open views of fields, hedgerows and belts of woodland at the fields’ margins will be completely changed

• The changed landscape will not attract tourists to the area.

• Local houses will be completely surrounded by trees. 

• Back O’ Hill farm will no longer be viable as agricultural land

• Local farmers’ livelihoods will be affected– some local families have farmed land here for generations. For those who have worked land here, the work they have put into improving the land will have been wasted. 

• Local farmers are producing food in a sustainable way – surely this is better than importing it?

• Local farmers are implementing policies which encourage bio-diversity and reduce the use of pesticides. 

• The area of land under discussion has diverse species of flora, fauna, birds and insects.  Bargeny Hill in particular has been surveyed and has been noted to have diverse and rare flora. This environment will be destroyed due to loss of habitat. 

Finally, Geraldine said that this was not just about planting trees, it was about a threat to people’s way of life.